 Welcome to the December edition of the Healthy Telford newsletter
There's a number of opportunities to have your say in this month's edition, with surveys for children and young people and Donnington residents, and a chance to feedback on mental health services if you've had experience of them in the last five years. And on the more active side of things, we've got yoga and walking sessions to tempt you out of the house.
So take a moment for yourself, grab a hot drink and catch up on what's going on in Telford and Wrekin this month to support your health and wellbeing.
And don't forget this month's quiz, which looks at your stress levels and what you might do to improve them.
 Volunteers help to make our communities stronger, bridge the gap between generations and create a culture of kindness, and 5 December is International Volunteer Day - the perfect opportunity for us to say a massive THANK YOU to all our Health Champions and Blood Pressure Checkers, who give their valuable time and efforts to supporting their communities.
Thank you to you all, for your support and time. We wish you the very best of the season and look forward to continuing to work with you all into 2025.
 What gift can you give your employees to support their health and wellbeing?
Telford & Wrekin Council’s Health Improvement Team are looking to work with employers across the borough, to take part in our Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Health Check project pilot, for FREE.
Cardiovascular Disease is an umbrella term used to describe a collection of conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels. It is responsible for a quarter of all deaths in the UK and costs the UK economy an estimated £28 billion a year. The percentage of people leaving work due to heart disease is 22% - this is higher than for cancer or mental health issues.
There are many risk factors associated with developing cardiovascular disease, these include:
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Hypertension (raised blood pressure) - across the UK it’s estimated that 8 million people are living with undiagnosed or uncontrolled high blood pressure.
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Smoking - 1 in 8 adults in the UK smoke.
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High Cholesterol - approximately 50% of adults in the UK have high cholesterol.
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Diabetes - nearly 1.2 million people across the UK are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes.
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Overweight/Obese - 26% of UK adults are obese and 38% are overweight.
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Inactivity - being more active can have a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing, and reduce the risk factors of CVD-related conditions such as heart attack, stroke and heart disease.
The pilot, delivered in partnership with Community Pharmacy and Nuffield Health, will aim to improve the health and wellbeing of workforces by offering them the opportunity to access a CVD Health Check or Lifestyle Check, depending on age and pre-existing conditions, whilst at work.
Give the gift that could save a life by filling in the invite questionnaire using the button below.
For more information, please email healthimprovement@telford.gov.uk and put "CVD Workplace Pilot" in the subject line.
 Do you belong to an organisation that is run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities?
If so we’d like to hear from you!
Working with Adult Social Care, Disability Rights UK and Energize STW - our local Active Partnership - we are working on a new project to help disabled people and people with long term health conditions be more physically active.
The ‘Get Yourself Active’ project will last a year and aims to:
- Work together with people with lived experience to design and deliver long-term opportunities for disabled people to get active and move more
- Make sure that the promotion of physical activity is part of the work of social care staff, including providing training to support disabled people to be active
- Education and support for people and organisations that provide physical activity on how to work with the community to develop ideas together
This work will be supported by our local Making it Real Board and Telford & Wrekin CVS.
Similar successful work in other areas of the country have also involved Disability People Organisations, which are organisations who are run by and for disabled people, so we’d like to hear from any of these groups who are based in Telford and Wrekin that would like to be involved.
To find out more please email healthimprovement@telford.gov.uk
 Going from strength to strength
When Madeley Town Council launched the Let’s Talk…Menopause group back in June 2023, only a few people attended.
However, there is now an ever-growing network of ladies coming along when they can and want to, to talk about all things menopause and, in particular, perimenopause, which is often the time when symptoms are most prevalent.
There needs to be more understanding of the impact that menopause and perimenopause can have on health and everyday life in order to make accessing help and support easier. Empowering women with the confidence and information to seek help is vital, and Let’s Talk…Menopause is doing just that.
So whether you’re looking for information to help get you through, or just looking for like-minded people to chat with, why not come along and see what it’s like for yourself?
Let’s Talk…Menopause meets on the second Wednesday of each month between 7pm and 8pm at the Park Lane Centre in Woodside, TF7 5QZ. It’s free to attend and you’ll also be able to enjoy a drink hotter than a hot flush!
The last meeting of 2024 will take place on Wednesday 11 December where the group will be joined by a local nurse practitioner with a great interest, personally and professionally, in perimenopause and menopause.
The group will then return in 2025 on 8 January when menopause holistic coach, Angela will be back with more great information to share.
For more information email charlotte@madeleytowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01952 567288.
 Are you living in the West Midlands and have experience of mental health services in the last 5 years?
Dr Gary Lamph is interested in gathering patients’ views about how interactions between patients and staff can affect mental health outcomes. If you have accessed mental health services in the last 5 years and are interested in how patients’ perspectives can shape his research, please come along to the online forum on 13 December at 11.00am. The meeting will last a maximum of 2 hours, and attendees will be rewarded for their time with a £20 LoveToShop voucher.
For more information and joining instructions please email ppie-r@mpft.nhs.uk or phone 07970 725380.
If you are interested in local health and social care research, and want to find out how you could be involved or to hear about the work that is being undertaken locally you can also join the 'Health Research For All' Facebook group.
 A survey for young people to comment on their experiences of living within Telford and Wrekin has been launched
We’re asking young people to tell us about what they like to do, what may stop them taking part in activities, how safe they feel, how they stay healthy and well, what they like about living in the borough and what they would change.
We hope you can support us in this important piece of work by encouraging the young people in your family, or that you are working with to take a few minutes to complete the survey.
Councillor Shirley Reynolds (Labour), Cabinet member for Children, Young People, Education, Employment and Skills, is passionate about young people’s voices being heard:
“As part of our work to protect, care and invest to create a better borough, we need to understand what matters most to the people we serve.
“This is why the youth survey is so valuable to us as an authority and I am passionate that we include as many young peoples’ voices as possible.
“They are the future of this borough and they will live by the decisions we are making now and in the future. The survey is aimed at young people aged 11 to 18 years, we’d love to have feedback from as many young people as possible.”
This survey closes on Monday 16 December 2024.
 Improve your flexibility and fitness
Yoga builds core strength, balance, co-ordination and flexibility. It also builds confidence after illness or injury, and offers relaxation techniques and a space to release anxiety and stress.
Yoga For All Abilities
This class meets at Coalbrookdale Community Centre, Wellington Road, Coalbrookdale TF8 7DX every Tuesday morning from 9.30am to 10.30am.
Men’s Yoga
The Menoga group meets weekly at Dawley Town Hall, New Street, Dawley TF4 3JR every Thursday morning from 9.15am to 10.15am, followed by a cuppa and chat.
All ages welcome, charges apply.
Classes are led by Sam from Fluid Roots Yoga. You can call Sam on 07957 491250.
 Ramblers Wellbeing Walks have something for everyone
Getting active can be difficult, but the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks are here to help. These walks are a great way to get out and stretch your legs, explore what's on your doorstep and make new friends.
Why walk?
Walking is an accessible way for many to get active at a pace that works for them. Almost everyone can do it, anywhere and at any time. It doesn't cost anything and you don't need any fancy equipment to take to the pavement.
As well as helping to strengthen your heart and lungs, and keep your joints and muscles flexible, walking can also help to improve your mood.
Visit the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks website to see when and when walks are taking place in your area.
For more information please phone 07512 123995 or email info@walkingforhealthtelfordandwrekin.org.uk
 Ruth's story
Ruth is seven weeks into her quit smoking journey and pleased with her progress so far. When she made her first appointment with Stop Smoking Advisor Ollie she was smoking thirty roll ups a day and had been doing so for over fifty years. Diagnosed with COPD, type 2 diabetes and suffering with anxiety issues, Ruth says:
"I had suffered a mini collapse and this was very scary and shocked me. My granddaughter was present when I was rushed in to hospital on a nebuliser, which was really scary for her too."
As well as chatting about stop smoking medication, Ollie and Ruth talked about smoking triggers like stress and anxiety and alternative ways to cope. Ruth made some changes to her daily routine and used distraction techniques to help move away from the smoking habit.
Seven weeks after quitting Ruth says:
"I have surprised myself but I was ready and very determined. My granddaughter calls me every morning to see if I am still smoke free and for support which has been great. The behavioural side of quitting along with your determination is the key ingredient to succeeding. I now like to get out and walk throughout the day. The fresh air and exercise has really helped. I also like to do my puzzles at key times to help distract from the smoking triggers."
She adds:
"I really would recommend anybody who is thinking about stopping smoking to call the 01952 382582 number as the support is great. However, make sure you have geared up for the attempt and really be prepared to give it 100%.
I now feel fantastic because people say how well I am looking as the colour has returned to my face. I am breathing so much easier, sleeping better, feeling much less stressed, tasting and smelling things again and I am saving a lot of money in the process."
If you feel that you're ready to stop smoking, the Healthy Lifestyles Stop Smoking Service is here for you. You can call the team on 01952 382582, email them at healthylifestyles@telford.gov.uk or use the button below to complete the online referral form.
 Cancer screening - why and when to go
What is the reason for cancer screening?
Cancer screening is looking for cancer at an early stage before a person shows any symptoms. If abnormal tissue or cancer is found early, it may be easier to treat or cure. Early diagnosis can save lives.
Cervical screening
The NHS cervical screening programme in England is offered to people with a cervix aged from 25 to 64 to prevent cervical cancer. Routine screening is offered every three years up to 49 years of age and every five years from 50 to 64 years of age. Depending on the result of the screen, people may be checked more frequently.
Breast screening
Breast screening uses an X-Ray test called a mammogram that can spot cancers when they’re too small to see or feel.
Breast screening is offered to women aged between 50 and 71 in England. You will be invited for screening within three years of your 50th birthday. Although you may be eligible for breast screening before the age of 50 if you have a strong family history of breast cancer. When you reach the age of 71 these screening invitations will stop. However, if you want to you can arrange an appointment by contacting your local screening unit.
Bowel screening
As part of the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme, men and women aged between 50 and 74 are sent a home testing kit every two years to collect a very small sample of poo to be checked for tiny amounts of blood which could be caused by cancer.
Prostate screening
There is no national screening programme for prostate cancer in the UK. This is because there isn't a reliable test that can pick up prostate cancer that needs treatment at an early stage. Researchers are currently working to develop screening for men at risk but without symptoms.
What to do if you are worried about symptoms or have missed a screening appointment
It's important to be aware of any symptoms of cancer that are new or worrying you. In general, it's unlikely to be cancer, but it's still important to speak to your GP. If cancer is found early it is much easier to treat.
Look out for:
- Coughing, chest pain and breathlessness
- Changes in bowel habits
- Bloating
- Unexplained bleeding
- Lumps
- Changing moles
- Unexplained weight loss
- Tummy or back pain
- Indigestion and heartburn
- Itchy or yellow skin
- Feeling tired and unwell
Visit the NHS website for more details about signs and symptoms of cancer.
Missed your screening appointment?
If you were invited for cancer screening but missed your appointment or did not book one, contact your GP surgery and they will help you.
What happens at a cancer screening appointment
Attending cancer screening can be a worrying and daunting time if you don’t know what to expect from your appointment. We have gathered helpful information videos from the NHS to help you feel prepared and hopefully encourage you to attend these importance health screenings:
Support available
Going for cancer screening and treatment can be a confusing and difficult time but there are lots of charities that can offer support and guidance to make this time easier such as the charity LingenDavies, Cancer Research UK and Breast Cancer Now.
Links to information in other languages
For those who would like more information about cancer and screening in other languages please follow the links below:
Visit the Macmillan website for information and support in other languages.
Visit the Cancer Research UK website for information and resources in other languages.
 Make your Healthy Telford pledge today
The Healthy Telford pledge is a 12 week email campaign to support you to make small simple changes to benefit your health and wellbeing. It focuses on creating healthier habits and supports you to find the motivation to make a change.
When joining the campaign, you'll be asked to make a pledge - anything from cooking more homemade meals, to moving more, or starting your journey to quit smoking. The pledge helps to keep you accountable to the changes you want to make and gives you something to aim for.
Throughout the 12 weeks you’ll receive bitesize tips on a range of topics including food portions, being active, reducing alcohol intake and more as well as weekly challenges to help you form lifestyle habits.
Anyone who completes the 12 week pledge will have the opportunity to enter into our raffle prize draw to win one of our selection of prizes, which include supermarket vouchers, gym memberships and more!
Visit the Healthy Telford website for more advice and information about living a happier, healthier life.
 Free support services for groups delivering sports and physical activity to 11 to 25 year-olds
Sported is a charity that supports clubs and organisations who deliver sport and physical activity to 11 to 25 year-olds.
If your group or organisation:
- Directly deliver regular sport/physical activity to young people aged between 11 and 25 years old.
- Intentionally use sport and/or physical activity to improve the lives of young people, OR need support to start doing this.
- Are a non-profit organisation OR were formed for the purpose of advancing social purpose over and above private gain.
Then you may be eligible to be a Sported member.
Some of the services and benefits that clubs and organisations can access with FREE Sported membership are:
- FREE knowledge, workshops and one-to-one mentoring in a range of areas such as business planning, financial management, being more inclusive, governance, updating policies and procedures, marketing and more.
- Access to small grants and support with fundraising.
- Pro bono legal support.
- A monthly funding bulletin.
- Discounts, such as 10% off with Davies Sports, and access to free and subsidised impact measurement tools like Groop and Upshot and Views.
- And a wealth of resources, templates and guidance on our members ‘Hub’.
 In June, Energize Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin began working in Donnington with local organisations, groups, and residents with the aim to overcome barriers to physical activity and improve health and wellbeing in the community.
In October two events were held, one for public and voluntary sector organisations working across Donnington, the other for residents and services. Both events were well attended. Amy Griffiths from Energize STW said:
“We are so happy with the engagement in this piece of work so far, and excited to see what we can achieve with this moving forward. We would really love as many people involved as possible, so please pop us a message or chat to us about this piece of work - the more the merrier!”
Are you a Donnington resident?
Energize STW are looking to further understand the areas for improvement, in order to enhance the health and wellbeing outcomes for residents in Donnington.
If you are a Donnington resident, please consider completing and sharing one or both of the surveys below:
If you would like to hear more about this work, to receive updates or to join one of our working groups, please visit the Energize STW website at: https://energizestw.org.uk/donnington
Alternatively, get in touch with Amy, Empowering Communities Manager at amy.griffiths@energizestw.org.uk or on 07539 414508.
 Community pharmacies can offer treatment and some prescription medicine for seven common conditions without patients needing to see a GP, as part of a major transformation in the way the NHS delivers care.
Highly trained pharmacists at more than nine in ten pharmacies can now assess, treat, and when appropriate, provide some prescription medicine for earache (for those aged between 1 and 17), impetigo, infected insect bites, shingles, sinusitis, sore throat, and urinary tract infections (UTIs) for women aged 16-64 - without the need for a GP appointment.
Available at the heart of local communities, community pharmacy teams have the right clinical training to give people the health advice they need, with no appointment necessary and private consultations available. Community pharmacists will signpost patients to other local services where necessary.
By expanding the services community pharmacies offer, the NHS is aiming to help free up GP appointments and give people more choice in how and where they access care.
Don't wait for minor health concerns to get worse – think pharmacy first and get seen by your local pharmacy team.
Visit the NHS website for more information.
 Telford and Wrekin SENDIAS Service provides access to impartial and independent information about Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND), health and social care for children, young people, parents and carers.
What is Special Educational Needs?
A child or young person has Special Education Needs if they have a learning difficulty or disability requiring special education provision.
If your child has significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of others of the same age, or has a disability that prevents them from making use of mainstream school facilities, then they may have a Special Educational Need (SEN).
If you are concerned that your child may have SEN, you can contact this service for information, advice and support either in person or over the phone.
Contact the Service by calling 01952 457176 (24-hour answer machine service) or by emailing info@iass.org.uk
Visit the Telford SENDIASS website for further information.
 If you are on the Autism Assessment waiting list or have a formal diagnosis of autism, Telford's Adult Autism Hub offers a wide range of support and services.
On the third Friday of every month, between 11am and 1pm, the Hub holds information, advice and guidance sessions for registered clients, where they can access:
- Employment support from the Education Employment Advisory Support Team and Job Centre Plus, including help and advice around job applications and interviews, and training opportunities to develop skills
- Mental health support from Telford Mind
- Healthy eating and physical activity support from the Healthy Lifestyles Service
- Advice from Adult Social Care
- Support from the charity STAY, which supports homeless and vulnerable people in Telford and Wrekin
- One-to-one support sessions.
These drop-in sessions are held at Family Zone, 12 and 15 Hazledine House, Central Square, Telford Centre TF3 4JL.
For more information about the Autism Hub and the services and events they offer, please contact them via email at admin@telfordautismhub.org.uk or call them directly on 01952 916109.
Visit the Telford Autism Hub website for online resources and further information.
 Feel like hiding under a pillow until Spring?
As well as it being colder and darker, there are a lot of expectations placed on people at this time of year, which can make you feel more stressed than usual.
The first step to becoming more resilient and improving your wellbeing, is identifying how you're feeling now. Take the stress test below to see where you currently are and what you can do to manage your stress more effectively.
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